COURSE # 91/161Z (2)
MUSIC OF BRAZIL ENSEMBLE
Fall Quarter, 2007
Instructor: Kirk Brundage
Email: kirksdb@yahoo.com
Wednesdays, 7-10pm, 1439 SMB
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This class has as its focus some of the primary drumming styles from Salvador da Bahia: Candomble, Samba de Roda and Carnaval. Rhythms will be drawn from the 3 ‘nations’ of Candomble (Angola, Jeje and Ketu), the country and city styles of Samba de Roda, and the major Carnaval groups (Bloco Afros) of Ile Aiye, Olodum, Timbalada, and Filhos de Gandhy. Time permitting Maracatu from Recife and Escola da Samba from Rio de Janeiro will also be covered. As this is a performance ensemble, its success is contingent upon everyone’s cooperation in working together. Showing up on time, learning ones part and respecting the rules, when followed by everyone, makes for a great learning experience and for a lot of fun.
Instruments to be utilized include:
Candomble
Agogo – double bell
Atabaque – 3 drums shaped like congas but of graduated height
Xekere – a large gourd rattle with a net of beads strung around it
Samba de Roda
Palmas – clapping
Agogo – same as above
Tamborim – small hand drum played with a stick
Ganzsa – shaker
Pandeiro – Brazilian tambourine (not to be confused with the above Tamborim!)
Berimbau – a ‘musical bow’ that is mostly known in Capoeira but Samba also
Carnaval
Repique – a high pitched drum that plays many patterns and phrases
Caixa/Tarol – a snare drum that fills out the sound and time
Timbau – hand drum that sounds similar to the jembe and is played in similar fashion
Marcacao 1 & 2 – smaller surdos that play many patterns and phrases w/ 1 or 2 sticks
Fundo 1 & 2 – bigger surdos that keep time by playing on beats 1 or 2
GENERAL RULES & EXPECTATIONS
Attendance:
Because of the breadth of material to be covered, regular and timely attendance is absolutely critical. As the material will be presented in a sequential manner, new information is based on old information (i.e. cumulative). Steady and consistent repetition is paramount to the learning process and for long-term retention. Participation in performances is dependant upon absorption of the material and, the instructor’s assessment of each member’s preparedness. For these reasons arriving late and/or leaving early to class can affect your grade. As the quarters are very short, you will be allowed one unexcused absence before your letter grade drops by a full letter. If this class conflicts with some other event/class/obligation/etc, please do not enroll.
Equipment:
Everyone must share in getting the instruments out of storage and, putting them back again. As many of them are personally owned please treat them all with care and respect.
Listening+:
Playing is fun but as this is a class please stop when asked to do so. Even if the directions do not pertain to you please refrain from continued playing or unnecessary talking or other disruptive behavior (eating, homework, cell phones, etc.), as it slows the learning process. Be excited, but not to distraction!
Protection:
Brazilian drumming is serious business as it can almost be a contact sport. Playing with a lot of energy for long periods of time is invigorating but tiring. Therefore kneepads are a must for those playing the surdos (bass drums) to protect shins and knees, while earplugs are recommended for everyone.
GRADING
Grades will be based on the following criteria:
- attendance [331/3%]
- class participation [331/3%]
- general rules [331/3 %]
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